BRANCHING OUT

Branching Out sets out to transform the tree lined context of the
Pushkinsky Cinema into an interwoven structural façade system in hopes of
reactivating the site as a critical hinge between culture and nature within the
city. Addressing the historic location
of the project as part of the thriving boulevard greenbelt, the proposal
attempts to return the site back to its natural context through a trifold
strategy.

Initially, Branching Out creates an inhabitable roof as an
artificial landscape within the project. The new elevated topography
revitalizes the roof as a dynamic hub of activity at a vantage point
overlooking the city.

The proposal translates the iterative pattern of cascading trees
into a rhythmic façade of structural members which support a new circulation system to wrap around the
existing exterior of the building. In doing so, the additional circulation
comprised of walkways
and stairs transform the original structure into a gazing device for watching
the city. Much like the cinema
facilitates the viewing of moving pictures internally within its theater halls, Branching Out comes a full scale viewing platform enabling sprawling
lookouts onto the urban fabric.

A digitally printed birch moiré pattern captures the tree lined panorama within the two-dimensional plane of the
entrance facade; further reflecting the branching system onto itself to create
a layering of forested views. The
experience of walking along the arboreal structure begins to mirror that of
being amidst a forest of echoing trees; a path on which one’s pace slows down
and speeds up with the bustling activity of the city.

Location: Moscow, Russia

Year: 2011

BRANCHING OUT

Branching Out sets out to transform the tree lined context of the
Pushkinsky Cinema into an interwoven structural façade system in hopes of
reactivating the site as a critical hinge between culture and nature within the
city. Addressing the historic location
of the project as part of the thriving boulevard greenbelt, the proposal
attempts to return the site back to its natural context through a trifold
strategy.

Initially, Branching Out creates an inhabitable roof as an
artificial landscape within the project. The new elevated topography
revitalizes the roof as a dynamic hub of activity at a vantage point
overlooking the city.

The proposal translates the iterative pattern of cascading trees
into a rhythmic façade of structural members which support a new circulation system to wrap around the
existing exterior of the building. In doing so, the additional circulation
comprised of walkways
and stairs transform the original structure into a gazing device for watching
the city. Much like the cinema
facilitates the viewing of moving pictures internally within its theater halls, Branching Out comes a full scale viewing platform enabling sprawling
lookouts onto the urban fabric.

A digitally printed birch moiré pattern captures the tree lined panorama within the two-dimensional plane of the
entrance facade; further reflecting the branching system onto itself to create
a layering of forested views. The
experience of walking along the arboreal structure begins to mirror that of
being amidst a forest of echoing trees; a path on which one’s pace slows down
and speeds up with the bustling activity of the city.